Neighbours described feeling an “earthquake” when the explosion tore through the property at around 7pm on Sunday.

CCTV footage showed rubble being propelled into the street as drivers were forced to stamp on the brakes to avoid the blast.

Five people remain in hospital following the blast – with one suffering serious injuries.

AFP

EXPLOSION: Firefighters assess the devastation in Leicester

The police said: "This morning detailed work continues to be conducted at the scene in Hinckley Road as part of the rescue operation and in an attempt to understand what caused the explosion shortly after 7pm on Sunday night.

"To facilitate this work, made more complex given the weather conditions and anticipated heavy snowfall later today, the A47 will have to remain closed in both directions, with the existing diversions still in operation.

"One of the five people taken to hospital on Sunday night remains in hospital this morning with what are life-threatening injuries sustained as a result of the explosion."